Major carmakers are beginning to reduce their reliance on Android Auto and Apple CarPlay in favor of built-in vehicle operating systems powered by artificial intelligence, according to a report on c14. For years, drivers have linked their phones to the car’s infotainment system to use familiar apps for navigation, music and messages. Now, some manufacturers want the car itself, rather than the phone, to become the main control hub.
A key reason is data ownership. Today, much of the information about driving habits, routes and app use passes through Google and Apple. Automakers want to keep that data for themselves, both to improve services and personalize the driving experience, and also to create new revenue streams.
The companies also say electric cars need deeper access to vehicle data to build smarter routes based on battery level, charging-station availability and real-time energy consumption. In their view, phone mirroring limits those capabilities.
At the same time, the shift is raising fears that in-car systems will expand subscription pricing. Services that are free through a phone connection today, such as navigation, streaming and advanced connectivity, could become paid features. Tesla and Rivian already charge annual fees for premium connectivity, and there is concern other automakers will extend that model to more basic functions. Newer carmakers argue that built-in AI systems can provide a faster, more accurate and more tailored experience than screen mirroring, but many drivers still prefer the apps they already know from their smartphones.
